Senate GOP pushes return of property-tax rebate

STAR, dependent care are part of relief plan

9:38 PM,
Mar. 5, 2013

Written by

Senate Republicans unveiled a tax-relief package Monday that would restore the popular property-tax rebate checks for homeowners and expand tax breaks for middle-class families.

The rebate checks were started in the mid-2000s by Senate Republicans but ended in 2009 when Democrats held the majority and the state faced a $17 billion budget gap. The STAR Rebate Check program gave $1.3 billion in tax relief by providing direct checks to homeowners each fall, ranging from $250 to more than $900.

"Middle-class families are losing ground, and it's time to do something about it," said Senate ...